The motto of this spot—part pie shop, part design studio, part community center—is "Pie + Conversation = Ideas." We guarantee the apple pies are made with great ingredients and passion—prerequisites of all the best pies. 1317 Main Street; 334-624-3899; pielab.org

The Apple PanLos Angeles

This Westside institution (open since 1947) is better known for its burgers, both the Steakburger and the Hickoryburger, but don't overlook the fresh-baked pies—available in apple, cream, and pecan—best ordered à la mode. 10801 West Pico Boulevard; 310-475-3585

At this retro-styled spot in Ukrainian Village, the menu from pastry chef Paula Haney includes five types of chess pie, as well as other American regional favorites like Indiana's famous sugar cream. 1618 1/2 Chicago Avenue; 312-243-4846; hoosiermamapie.com

Judges at the National Pie Championships awarded the cherry and Michigan Four Berry pies here top honors. And in Chicago, Alinea chef Grant Achatz serves pies from this outfit (run by his second cousin Dave and Dave's wife, Wendy) at staff meals. 75700 North Avenue; 586-784-4743; achatzpies.com

At this long-running indoor farmers' market, several of the stands sell shoofly pie (at its core, a mixture of molasses, sugar, and butter) and other outstanding flavors. 23 North Market Street; 717-572-6780; centralmarketlancaster.com

Like big meringue pie slices in flavors such as coconut and chocolate? Want to sit in a diner-like setting? Yearn for super-friendly owners? This is the place of your dreams. 704 West Magnolia Avenue; 817-335-2041; pariscoffeeshop.net